The sometimes the vague concept known as Industry 4.0/Industrial Internet of Things was a subject of discussion at more than one booth at WestPack and Automation Technology West, held in Anaheim Feb. 10-12; but there was nothing vague about the conversations to be had at these booths.

B&R’s two new master modules each use IO-Link 1.1 to communicate digitally with four intelligent field devices: the X20DS438A with IP20 protection, and the X67DS438A with IP67 protection for use outside the control cabinet.

Kalamazoo, MI-based Fabri-Kal has been moving rather aggressively in the direction of PC-based control architecture in the thermoforming equipment they use to make plastic cups, bowls, and other containers found everywhere from the supermarket shelf to the kitchen pantry.